Display device and electronic device

ABSTRACT

A display device capable of improving image quality is provided. The display device includes a first circuit, a pixel, and a wiring. The first circuit has a function of supplying data to the wiring and a function of making the wiring floating to hold the data. The pixel has a function of taking in the data twice from the wiring and performing addition. The pixel can perform the first writing of the data in a period during which the data is supplied to the wiring, and can perform the second writing of the data in a period during which the data is held in the wiring. Therefore, by one time of data charging to a source line, a data potential larger than or equal to an output voltage of a source driver can be supplied to a display element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device.

Note that one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above technical field. The technical field of one embodiment of the invention disclosed in this specification and the like relates to an object, a method, or a manufacturing method. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a process, a machine, manufacture, or a composition (composition of matter). Specifically, examples of the technical field of one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification include a semiconductor device, a display device, a liquid crystal display device, a light-emitting device, a lighting device, a power storage device, a memory device, an imaging device, a driving method thereof, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Note that in this specification and the like, a semiconductor device means all devices that can function by utilizing semiconductor characteristics. A transistor and a semiconductor circuit are embodiments of semiconductor devices. In some cases, a memory device, a display device, an imaging device, or an electronic device includes a semiconductor device.

BACKGROUND ART

Silicon-based semiconductor materials are widely known as semiconductor thin films which can be used in transistors; oxide semiconductors have been attracting attention as other materials. Examples of oxide semiconductors include not only single-component metal oxides, such as indium oxide and zinc oxide, but also multi-component metal oxides. Among the multi-component metal oxides, in particular, an In-Ga—Zn oxide (hereinafter also referred to as IGZO) has been actively studied.

From the studies on IGZO, a CAAC (c-axis aligned crystalline) structure and an nc (nanocrystalline) structure, which are not single crystal nor amorphous, have been found in an oxide semiconductor (see Non-Patent Document 1 to Non-Patent Document 3). Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2 disclose a technique for fabricating a transistor using an oxide semiconductor having the CAAC structure. Moreover, Non-Patent Document 4 and Non-Patent Document 5 describe that a fine crystal is included even in an oxide semiconductor which has lower crystallinity than the CAAC structure and the nc structure.

In addition, a transistor which uses IGZO for an active layer has an extremely low off-state current (see Non-Patent Document 6), and an LSI and a display utilizing the characteristics have been reported (see Non-Patent Document 7 and Non-Patent Document 8).

Patent Document 1 discloses a memory device using a transistor with an extremely low off-state current in a memory cell.

REFERENCE Patent Document

-   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Published Patent Application No.     2011-119674

Non-Patent Document

-   [Non-Patent Document 1] S. Yamazaki et al., “SID Symposium Digest of     Technical Papers”, 2012, volume 43, issue 1, pp. 183-186. -   [Non-Patent Document 2] S. Yamazaki et al., “Japanese Journal of     Applied Physics”, 2014, volume 53, Number 4S, pp     0.04ED18-1-04ED18-10. -   [Non-Patent Document 3] S. Ito et al., “The Proceedings of AM-FPD′13     Digest of Technical Papers”, 2013, pp. 151-154. -   [Non-Patent Document 4] S. Yamazaki et al., “ECS Journal of Solid     State Science and Technology”, 2014, volume 3, issue 9, pp.     Q3012-Q3022. -   [Non-Patent Document 5] S. Yamazaki, “ECS Transactions”, 2014,     volume 64, issue 10, pp. 155-164. -   [Non-Patent Document 6] K. Kato et al., “Japanese Journal of Applied     Physics”, 2012, volume 51, pp. 021201-1-021201-7. -   [Non-Patent Document 7] S. Matsuda et al., “2015 Symposium on VLSI     Technology Digest of Technical Papers”, 2015, pp. T216-T217. -   [Non-Patent Document 8] S. Amano et al., “SID Symposium Digest of     Technical Papers”, 2010, volume 41, issue 1, pp. 626-629.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The resolution of display devices has been increased; hardware capable of displaying images of an 8K4K (pixel number: 7680×4320) or higher resolution has been developed. In addition, the HDR (high dynamic range) display technique, which increases image quality by luminance adjustment, has been introduced.

In order to perform clear gray-scale display, the range of data potentials that can be supplied to the display element is desired to be wide. Meanwhile, for example, the output voltage of a source driver of a liquid crystal display device is approximately 15 V, and in order to supply a higher voltage to the display element, a source driver capable of outputting a high voltage needs to be used. The source driver capable of outputting a high voltage consumes high power, and thus a new driver IC needs to be developed in some cases.

Moreover, it is necessary to increase the frame frequency in order to display a moving image more smoothly, but it is difficult to increase the frame frequency because a horizontal period is shorter as the number of pixels is increased. When the structure that can easily increase the frame frequency is achieved, the structure can be easily applied to a field-sequential liquid crystal display device.

Accordingly, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of improving image quality. Another object is to provide a display device capable of supplying voltage higher than or equal to the output voltage of a source driver to a display element. Another object is to provide a display device capable of increasing the luminance of a displayed image. Another object is to provide a display device capable of increasing the frame frequency.

Another object is to provide a display device with low power consumption. Another object is to provide a highly reliable display device. Another object is to provide a novel display device or the like. Another object is to provide a method of driving any of the display devices. Another object is to provide a novel semiconductor device or the like.

Note that the description of these objects does not disturb the existence of other objects. One embodiment of the present invention does not have to achieve all the objects. Other objects will be apparent from the description of the specification, the drawings, the claims, and the like, and other objects can be derived from the description of the specification, the drawings, the claims, and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device capable of improving image quality.

One embodiment of the present invention is a display device including a first circuit, a pixel, and a wiring. The first circuit has a function of supplying data to the wiring and a function of making the wiring floating to hold the data. The pixel has a function of taking in the data twice from the wiring and performing addition. The pixel performs first writing of the data in a period during which the data is supplied to the wiring. The pixel performs second writing of the data in a period during which the data is held in the wiring.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a display device including a first circuit, a first pixel, a second pixel, a first wiring, and a second wiring. The first circuit has a function of supplying first data to the first wiring and a function of making the first wiring floating to hold the first data. The first circuit has a function of supplying second data to the second wiring and a function of making the second wiring floating to hold the second data. The first pixel has a function of taking in the first data twice from the first wiring and performing addition. The second pixel has a function of taking in the second data twice from the second wiring and performing addition. The first pixel performs first writing of the first data in a period during which the first data is supplied to the first wiring. The first pixel performs second writing of the first data in a period during which the first data is held in the first wiring. The second pixel performs first writing of the second data in a period during which the second data is supplied to the second wiring. The second pixel performs second writing of the second data in a period during which the second data is supplied to the second wiring. A period during which the first pixel performs the second writing of the first data and a period during which the second pixel performs the first writing of the second data can overlap.

The display device may further include a third wiring, a fourth wiring; and a fifth wiring. The third wiring may have a function of supplying a signal potential for selecting the first pixel. The fourth wiring may have a function of supplying a signal potential for selecting the first pixel. The fourth wiring may have a function of supplying a signal potential for selecting the second pixel. The fifth wiring may have a function of supplying a signal potential for selecting the second pixel.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a display device including a first circuit, a first pixel, a second pixel, a first wiring, a second wiring, a third wiring, a fourth wiring, and a fifth wiring. The first circuit is electrically connected to the first wiring. The first circuit is electrically connected to the second wiring. The first pixel and the second pixel each include a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a first capacitor, and a circuit block. One of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the second transistor. The one of the source and the drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to one electrode of the first capacitor. The other electrode of the first capacitor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the third transistor. The one of the source and the drain of the third transistor is electrically connected to the circuit block. In the first pixel: the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring; the other of the source and the drain of the third transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring; a gate of the first transistor is electrically connected to the fourth wiring; a gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring; and a gate of the third transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. In the second pixel: the other of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring; the other of a source and a drain of the third transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring; a gate of the first transistor is electrically connected to the fifth wiring; a gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to the fourth wiring; a gate of the third transistor is electrically connected to the fourth wiring; and the circuit block includes a di splay element.

The display device may further include a second capacitor and a third capacitor. One electrode of the second capacitor may be electrically connected to the first wiring, and one electrode of the third capacitor may be electrically connected to the second wiring.

The first circuit can be electrically connected to a source driver. The third wiring to the fifth wiring can be electrically connected to a gate driver.

The first circuit includes a fourth transistor and a fifth transistor. One of a source and a drain of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. One of a source and a drain of the fifth transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. The other of the source and the drain of the fourth transistor and the other of the source and the drain of the fifth transistor can be electrically connected to each other.

The circuit block includes a sixth transistor, a seventh transistor, a fourth capacitor, and an organic EL element as the display element, and can have the following structure: one electrode of the organic EL element is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the seventh transistor; the other of the source and the drain of the seventh transistor is electrically connected to one electrode of the fourth capacitor; the one electrode of the fourth capacitor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the sixth transistor; a gate of the sixth transistor is electrically connected to the other electrode of the fourth capacitor; and the other electrode of the fourth capacitor is electrically connected to the one electrode of the first capacitor.

In the above structure, the other of a source and a drain of the sixth transistor can be electrically connected to the other of the source and the drain of the second transistor.

The circuit block includes an eighth transistor, a fifth capacitor, and a liquid crystal element as the display element, and may have the following structure: one electrode of the liquid crystal element is electrically connected to one electrode of the fifth capacitor; the one electrode of the fifth capacitor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the eighth transistor; and the other of the source and the drain of the eighth transistor is electrically connected to the one electrode of the first capacitor.

In the above structure, the other electrode of the fifth capacitor can be electrically connected to the other of the source and the drain of the second transistor.

As the liquid crystal element, a light-scattering liquid crystal element including a resin portion and a liquid crystal portion between a pair of electrodes can be used.

The display device further includes a light-emitting element emitting light of a red color (R), a light-emitting element emitting light of a green color (G), and a light-emitting element emitting light of a blue color (B) in the case of including a liquid phase element. The light-emitting elements may be made blink sequentially and light may be emitted to the outside through the liquid crystal element, whereby display is performed.

It is preferable that the third transistor include a metal oxide in a channel formation region, and that the metal oxide include In, Zn, and M (M is Al, Ti, Ga, Sn, Y, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, or Hf).

Effect of the Invention

With the use of one embodiment of the present invention, a display device capable of improving image quality can be provided. A display device capable of supplying voltage higher than or equal to the output voltage of a source driver to a display element can be provided. A display device capable of increasing the luminance of a displayed image can be provided. A display device capable of increasing the frame frequency can be provided.

A display device with low power consumption can be provided. A highly reliable display device can be provided. A novel display device or the like can be provided. A method of driving any of the display devices can be provided. A novel semiconductor device or the like can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display device.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating operation of a display device.

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams where each illustrating a circuit block.

FIGS. 5A-5C are diagrams where each illustrating a circuit block.

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams where each illustrating a pixel circuit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display device.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating operation of a display device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device used for simulation.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart used for simulation.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing simulation results.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing simulation results.

FIGS. 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating a display device.

FIGS. 14A-14B are diagrams illustrating a touch panel.

FIGS. 15A-15B are diagrams illustrating a display device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display device.

FIGS. 17A-17B are diagrams illustrating a display device.

FIGS. 18A-18B are diagrams illustrating a display device.

FIGS. 19A-19E are diagrams illustrating a display device.

FIGS. 20A1-20C2 are diagrams illustrating transistors.

FIGS. 21A1-21C2 are diagrams illustrating transistors.

FIGS. 22A1-22C2 are diagrams illustrating transistors.

FIGS. 23A1-23C2 are diagrams illustrating transistors.

FIGS. 24A-24F are diagrams illustrating electronic devices.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following description and it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modes and details can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of embodiments below. Note that in structures of the invention described below, the same portions or portions having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings, and the description thereof is not repeated in some cases. The same components are denoted by different hatching patterns in different drawings, or the hatching patterns are omitted in some cases.

Embodiment 1

In this embodiment, a display device of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

One embodiment of the present invention is a display device having a function of adding image data in pixels. A storage node is provided in each pixel, and first, first image data is held in the storage node. Next, second image data is added to the storage node by capacitive coupling to be supplied to a display element. That is, a data potential higher than or equal to an output voltage of a source driver can be supplied to the display element.

In the display device, it is assumed that the same data is used as the first image data and the second image data. First, in a period during which image data is supplied to a source line, the first writing is performed, and in a period during which the image data is held in the source line, the second writing is performed. Thus, the number of data charging to the source line can be one, so that the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, two source lines are provided and writing to two pixels is performed in parallel, so that the writing speed can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a display device of one embodiment of the present invention. The display device includes a pixel 10, a circuit 11, a source driver 12, and a gate driver 13.

The pixel 10 has a function of taking in image data twice through different paths. Accordingly, one pixel 10 is electrically connected to one source line through two wirings.

Two source lines (a first source line and a second source line) are provided for one column, and are alternately electrically connected to the pixels 10 every other row. For example, the pixels 10 in the first row are electrically connected to the first source line, the pixels 10 in the second row are electrically connected to the second source line, and the pixels 10 in the third row are electrically connected to the first source line.

The circuit 11 is electrically connected to the source driver 12 and the two source lines and can supply image data supplied from the source driver 12 to the first source line or the second source line. Furthermore, the circuit 11 can make the two source lines floating, and can hold image data in the first source line and the second source line.

Holding the image data in the source line can be performed more stably when a capacitor is electrically connected to the source line. The number of capacitors is not limited to one, and a plurality of capacitors may be connected to the source line in parallel. Note that in the case where the wiring capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of the source line is sufficiently larger than the data storage capacitance of one pixel 10, the capacitor is not necessarily provided.

One pixel 10 is electrically connected to two gate lines, and the first writing of image data and the second writing of image data are controlled to be performed at different timings. Here, the timing of the second writing of image data to the pixels 10 in the n-th row (n is a natural number of 1 or larger) can be the same as the timing of the first writing of image data to the pixels 10 in the (n+1)-th row; thus, the pixels 10 in the n-th row and the pixels 10 in the (n+1)-th row can share one gate line.

Therefore, the number of gate lines electrically connected to the pixels 10 in each of the first row and the last row is calculated to be 1.5 (1+0.5), and the number of gate lines electrically connected to the pixels 10 in each of the other rows is calculated to be 1 (0.5+0.5). That is, one pixel 10 can be substantially controlled by one gate line; thus, the number of signals for writing image data can be reduced. Furthermore, a gate driver which requires complicated control is also unnecessary. In addition, the number of gate lines is reduced, so that the aperture ratio of the pixel 10 can be increased.

The first writing of data to the pixels 10 is performed in the period during which image data is supplied to a source line, and the second writing is performed in the period during which the image data is held in the same source line. Therefore, the charging of image data to the source line is once. In addition, by providing two source lines for the pixels 10 in one row, the pixels 10 in the n-th row and the pixels 10 in the (n+1)-th row can be operated in parallel as described above, so that the writing speed of image data can be increased.

FIG. 2 illustrates specific examples of the circuit 11 and the pixels 10 in the m-th column and the n-th to the (n+2)-th rows (each of m and n is a natural number of 1 or larger).

The circuit 11 [m] can be configured to include a transistor 107 and a transistor 108. A gate of the transistor 107 is electrically connected to a wiring 124, and a gate of the transistor 108 is electrically connected to a wiring 123. One of a source and a drain of the transistor 107 is electrically connected to a wiring 125 [m], and one of a source and a drain of the transistor 108 is electrically connected to a wiring 126[m]. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 107 and the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 108 are electrically connected to an output line for the m-th column of the source driver 12.

The wiring 123 and the wiring 124 each have a function of a signal line for controlling conduction of the transistor 108 or the transistor 107. The wiring 125[m] and the wiring 126[m] each have a function of a source line.

One electrode of the capacitor 105 is electrically connected to the wiring 125[m]. One electrode of the capacitor 106 is electrically connected to the wiring 126[m]. The other electrode of the capacitor 105 and the other electrode of the capacitor 106 are electrically connected to a wiring 135 supplied with a predetermined potential. As described above, two or more capacitors 105 and two or more capacitors 106 may be connected in parallel. Alternatively, a structure in which the capacitor 105 and the capacitor 106 are not provided may be employed.

When the transistor 107 is on, image data (DATA) output from the source driver 12 is output to the wiring 126[m]. When the transistor 108 is on, the image data (DATA) output from the source driver is output to the wiring 125[m]. After the above image data is output, when the transistor 107 is turned off, the wiring 126[m] becomes floating and the image data (DATA) is held in the wiring 126[m]. When the transistor 108 is turned off, the wiring 125[m] becomes floating and the image data (DATA) is held in the wiring 125[m].

Note that the above-described configuration of the circuit 11 is an example, and other configurations may be employed as long as the circuit 11 has a function of selectively supplying data to the wiring 125 and the wiring 126 and a function of making the wiring 125 and the wiring 126 floating.

The pixel 10 includes a transistor 101, a transistor 102, a transistor 103, a capacitor 104, and a circuit block 110. The circuit block 110 can include a transistor, a capacitor, a display element, and the like and will be described in detail later.

One of a source and a drain of the transistor 101 is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor 102. The one of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor 104. The other electrode of the capacitor 104 is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor 103. The one of the source and the drain of the transistor 103 is electrically connected to the circuit block 110.

Here, a wiring to which the one of the source and the drain of the transistor 103, the other electrode of the capacitor 104, and the circuit block are connected is referred to as a node NM. A display element included in the circuit block 110 operates in accordance with the potential of the node NM. Note that a component of the circuit block 110 connected to the node NM can make the node NM floating.

In the pixel 10 [n,m] in the n-th row, a gate of the transistor 101 is electrically connected to a wiring 121[n+1]. A gate of the transistor 102 and a gate of the transistor 103 are electrically connected to a wiring 121[n]. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 101 and the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 103 are electrically connected to the wiring 125[m]. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 is electrically connected to a wiring capable of supplying a certain potential “V_(ref)”.

In the pixel 10[n+1,m] in the (n+1)-th row, the gate of the transistor 101 is electrically connected to a wiring 121[n+2]. The gate of the transistor 102 and the gate of the transistor 103 are electrically connected to a wiring 121[n+1]. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 101 and the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 103 are electrically connected to a wiring 126[m]. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 is electrically connected to a wiring capable of supplying the certain potential “V_(ref)”.

The wiring 121 has a function of a gate line and is electrically connected to the gate driver 13 (see FIG. 1).

As described above, the pixels 10 are alternately connected to a different source line (the wiring 125 or the wiring 126) every other row. The gate line (the wiring 121) is electrically connected to the adjacent two pixels 10 in the column direction.

As the wiring capable of supplying “V_(ref)”, for example, a power supply line electrically connected to a component of the circuit block 110 can be used.

Note that in order to perform capacitive coupling operation described later, it is necessary that the first supply of data and supply of “V_(ref)” to the pixel 10 are performed in the same period. Therefore, in the case where “V_(ref)” is supplied from the source line, at least a source line for supplying data and a source line for supply of “V_(ref)” or for the second supply of data are needed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, since “V_(ref)” is supplied from the power supply line or the like, by switching the timing, one source line can perform the first supply of data and the second supply of data. That is, the display device can be configured with a small number of wirings.

The node NM is a storage node, and data supplied to the wiring 125 or the wiring 126 can be written to the node NM when the transistor 103 is turned on. When the transistor 103 is turned off, the data can be held in the node NM. The use of a transistor with extremely low off-state current as the transistor 103 enables long-term retention of the potential of the node NM. As the transistor, a transistor using a metal oxide in a channel formation region (hereinafter referred to as an OS transistor) can be used, for example.

Note that an OS transistor may be employed as another transistor included in the pixel 10 as well as the transistor 103. Furthermore, an OS transistor may be employed as a transistor included in the circuit 11. A transistor including Si in a channel formation region (hereinafter referred to as a Si transistor) may be used for the pixel 10 and the circuit 11. Both an OS transistor and a Si transistor may be used. Examples of the Si transistor include a transistor including amorphous silicon and a transistor including crystalline silicon (typically, low-temperature polysilicon or single crystal silicon).

As a semiconductor material used for an OS transistor, a metal oxide whose energy gap is greater than or equal to 2 eV, preferably greater than or equal to 2.5 eV, more preferably greater than or equal to 3 eV can be used. A typical example is an oxide semiconductor containing indium, and a CAAC-OS or a CAC-OS described later can be used, for example. A CAAC-OS has a crystal structure including stable atoms and is suitable for a transistor that highly requires reliability, and the like. A CAC-OS has high mobility and thus is suitable for a transistor that operates at high speed, and the like.

An OS transistor has a large energy gap and thus exhibits extremely low off-state current characteristics. An OS transistor has the following feature different from that of a Si transistor: impact ionization, an avalanche breakdown, a short-channel effect, or the like does not occur and thus can configure a highly reliable circuit.

A semiconductor layer included in the OS transistor can be, for example, a film represented by an In-M-Zn-based oxide that contains indium, zinc, and M (a metal such as aluminum, titanium, gallium, germanium, yttrium, zirconium, lanthanum, cerium, tin, neodymium, or hafnium).

In the case where the oxide semiconductor contained in the semiconductor layer is an In-M-Zn-based oxide, it is preferable that the atomic ratio of metal elements of a sputtering target used to form a film of the In-M-Zn oxide satisfy In M and Zn M. The atomic ratio of metal elements in such a sputtering target is preferably, for example, In:M:Zn=1:1:1, In:M:Zn=1:1:1.2, In:M:Zn=3:1:2, In:M:Zn=4:2:3, In:M:Zn=4:2:4.1, In:M:Zn=5:1:6, In:M:Zn=5:1:7, or In:M:Zn=5:1:8. Note that the atomic ratio in the deposited semiconductor layer varies from the above atomic ratio of metal elements of the sputtering target in a range of ±40%.

An oxide semiconductor with low carrier density is used for the semiconductor layer. For example, an oxide semiconductor whose carrier density is lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁷/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁵/cm³, further preferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹³/cm³, still further preferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹¹/cm³, yet further preferably lower than 1×10¹⁰/cm³, and higher than or equal to 1×10⁻⁹/cm³ can be used for the semiconductor layer. Such an oxide semiconductor is referred to as a highly purified intrinsic or substantially highly purified intrinsic oxide semiconductor. The oxide semiconductor has a low impurity concentration and thus can be regarded as an oxide semiconductor having stable characteristics.

Note that, without limitation to these, a material with an appropriate composition may be used in accordance with required semiconductor characteristics and electrical characteristics (e.g., field-effect mobility and threshold voltage) of a transistor. In order to obtain the required semiconductor characteristics of the transistor, it is preferable that the carrier density, the impurity concentration, the density of defect states, the atomic ratio between a metal element and oxygen, the interatomic distance, the density, and the like of the semiconductor layer be set to be appropriate.

When silicon or carbon, which is an element belonging to Group 14, is contained in the oxide semiconductor contained in the semiconductor layer, oxygen vacancies are increased, and the semiconductor layer becomes n-type. Thus, the concentration of silicon or carbon (measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry) in the semiconductor layer is set to lower than or equal to 2×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 2×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³.

Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal might generate carriers when bonded to an oxide semiconductor, in which case the off-state current of the transistor might be increased. Therefore, the concentration of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal in the semiconductor layer (measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry) is set to lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 2×10¹⁶ atoms/cm³.

When nitrogen is contained in the oxide semiconductor contained in the semiconductor layer, electrons serving as carriers are generated and the carrier density increases, so that the semiconductor layer easily becomes n-type. As a result, a transistor using an oxide semiconductor that contains nitrogen is likely to have normally-on characteristics. Hence, the concentration of nitrogen in the semiconductor layer (the concentration obtained by secondary ion mass spectrometry) is preferably set to lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The semiconductor layer may have a non-single-crystal structure, for example. The non-single-crystal structure includes, for example, a CAAC-OS (C-Axis Aligned Crystalline Oxide Semiconductor) including a c-axis aligned crystal, a polycrystalline structure, a microcrystalline structure, or an amorphous structure. Among the non-single-crystal structures, an amorphous structure has the highest density of defect states, whereas CAAC-OS has the lowest density of defect states.

An oxide semiconductor film having an amorphous structure has disordered atomic arrangement and no crystalline component, for example. In another example, an oxide film having an amorphous structure has a completely amorphous structure and no crystal part.

Note that the semiconductor layer may be a mixed film including two or more of a region having an amorphous structure, a region having a microcrystalline structure, a region having a polycrystalline structure, a region of CAAC-OS, and a region having a single crystal structure. The mixed film has, for example, a single-layer structure or a stacked-layer structure including two or more of the above-described regions in some cases.

Described below is the composition of a CAC (Cloud-Aligned Composite)-OS, which is one embodiment of a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer.

The CAC-OS is, for example, a composition of a material in which elements included in an oxide semiconductor are unevenly distributed to have a size of greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 2 nm, or a similar size. Note that in the following description, a state in which one or more metal elements are unevenly distributed and regions including the metal element(s) are mixed to have a size of greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 2 nm, or a similar size in an oxide semiconductor is referred to as a mosaic pattern or a patch-like pattern.

Note that an oxide semiconductor preferably contains at least indium. In particular, indium and zinc are preferably contained. In addition, one or more kinds selected from aluminum, gallium, yttrium, copper, vanadium, beryllium, boron, silicon, titanium, iron, nickel, germanium, zirconium, molybdenum, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, magnesium, and the like may be contained.

For example, CAC-OS in an In-Ga—Zn oxide (of the CAC-OS, an In-Ga—Zn oxide may be particularly referred to as CAC-IGZO) has a composition (hereinafter, referred to as cloud-like composition) in which materials are separated into indium oxide (hereinafter, InO_(X1) (X1 is a real number greater than 0)) or indium zinc oxide (hereinafter, In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) (X2, Y2, and Z2 are real numbers greater than 0)), and gallium oxide (hereinafter, GaO_(X3) (X3 is a real number greater than 0)) or gallium zinc oxide (hereinafter, Ga_(X4)Zn_(Y4)O_(Z4) (X4, Y4, and Z4 are real numbers greater than 0)) to form a mosaic pattern, and InO_(X1) or In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) forming the mosaic pattern is evenly distributed in the film.

That is, the CAC-OS is a composite oxide semiconductor with a composition in which a region containing GaO_(X3) as a main component and a region containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component are mixed. Note that in this specification, for example, when the atomic ratio of In to an element M in a first region is greater than the atomic ratio of In to an element M in a second region, the first region is described as having higher In concentration than the second region.

Note that IGZO is a common name, which may specify a compound containing In, Ga, Zn, and O. Typical examples of IGZO include a crystalline compound represented by InGaO₃(ZnO)_(m1) (m1 is a natural number) and a crystalline compound represented by In_((1+x0))Ga_((1-x0))O₃(ZnO)_(m0) (−1≤x0≤1; m0 is a given number).

The above crystalline compounds have a single crystal structure, a polycrystalline structure, or a CAAC structure. Note that the CAAC structure is a crystal structure in which a plurality of IGZO nanocrystals have c-axis alignment and are connected in the a-b plane direction without alignment.

The CAC-OS relates to the material composition of an oxide semiconductor. The CAC-OS refers to a composition in which, in the material composition containing In, Ga, Zn, and O, some regions that contain Ga as a main component and are observed as nanoparticles and some regions that contain In as a main component and are observed as nanoparticles are randomly dispersed in a mosaic pattern. Thus, the crystal structure is a secondary element for the CAC-OS.

Note that in the CAC-OS, a stacked-layer structure including two or more films with different atomic ratios is not included. For example, a two-layer structure of a film containing In as a main component and a film containing Ga as a main component is not included.

Note that a boundary between the region containing GaO_(X3) as a main component and the region containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component is not clearly observed in some cases.

In the case where one or more kinds selected from aluminum, yttrium, copper, vanadium, beryllium, boron, silicon, titanium, iron, nickel, germanium, zirconium, molybdenum, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, magnesium, and the like are contained instead of gallium, nanoparticle regions containing the metal element(s) as a main component(s) are observed in part of a CAC-OS and nanoparticle regions containing In as a main component are observed in part of the CAC-OS, and these nanoparticle regions are randomly dispersed to form a mosaic pattern in the CAC-OS.

The CAC-OS can be formed by a sputtering method under a condition where a substrate is not heated intentionally, for example. In the case where the CAC-OS is formed by a sputtering method, one or more selected from an inert gas (typically, argon), an oxygen gas, and a nitrogen gas may be used as a deposition gas. The ratio of the flow rate of the oxygen gas to the total flow rate of the deposition gas in deposition is preferably as low as possible; for example, the ratio of the flow rate of the oxygen gas is higher than or equal to 0% and lower than 30%, preferably higher than or equal to 0% and lower than or equal to 10%.

The CAC-OS is characterized in that no clear peak is observed at the time of measurement using θ/2θ scan by an Out-of-plane method, which is one of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement methods. That is, it is found from X-ray diffraction measurement that no alignment in an a-b plane direction and a c-axis direction is observed in a measured region.

In addition, in an electron diffraction pattern of the CAC-OS that is obtained by irradiation with an electron beam with a probe diameter of 1 nm (also referred to as a nanobeam electron beam), a ring-like high-luminance region and a plurality of bright spots in the ring region are observed. Thus, it is found from the electron diffraction pattern that the crystal structure of the CAC-OS includes an nc (nano-crystal) structure with no alignment in a plan-view direction and a cross-sectional direction.

Moreover, for example, it can be confirmed by EDX mapping obtained using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) that the CAC-OS in the In—Ga—Zn oxide has a composition in which regions where GaO_(X3) is a main component and regions where In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) is a main component are unevenly distributed and mixed.

The CAC-OS has a structure different from that of an IGZO compound in which metal elements are evenly distributed, and has characteristics different from those of the IGZO compound. That is, the CAC-OS has a composition in which regions containing GaO_(X3) or the like as a main component and regions containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component are phase-separated from each other, and the regions including the respective elements as the main components form a mosaic pattern.

The conductivity of the region containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component is higher than that of the region containing GaO_(X3) or the like as a main component. In other words, when carriers flow through regions containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component, the conductivity of an oxide semiconductor is generated. Accordingly, when regions containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component are distributed in an oxide semiconductor like a cloud, high field-effect mobility (μ) can be achieved.

In contrast, the insulating property of a region containing GaO_(X3) or the like as a main component is higher than that of a region containing In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) as a main component. In other words, when regions containing GaO_(X3) or the like as a main component are distributed in an oxide semiconductor, leakage current can be suppressed and favorable switching operation can be achieved.

Accordingly, in the case where a CAC-OS is used in a semiconductor element, the insulating property derived from GaO_(X3) or the like and the conductivity derived from In_(X2)Zn_(Y2)O_(Z2) or InO_(X1) complement each other, whereby high on-state current (Ion) and high field-effect mobility (μ) can be achieved.

A semiconductor element using a CAC-OS has high reliability. Thus, the CAC-OS is suitable as a constituent material in a variety of semiconductor devices.

An example of operation of adding two pieces of image data is described with reference to a timing chart in FIG. 3. Note that in the following description, “H” represents a high potential and “L” represents a low potential. Image data supplied when writing to the pixels in the first row is performed is “D1”, image data supplied when writing to the pixels in the second row is performed is “D2”, and image data supplied when writing to the pixels in the third row is performed in “D3”. As “V_(ref)”, for example, 0 V, a GND potential, or a certain reference potential can be used.

First, operation of writing “D1” to the node NM[n,m] in the pixel 10[n,m] in the n-th row is described. Note that in potential distribution, potential coupling, or potential loss, detailed changes due to a circuit configuration, operation timing, or the like are not considered. In addition, a potential change due to capacitive coupling depends on the ratio of the capacitance of a potential supplier to that of a potential receiver; however, for clarity, the capacitance value of the node NM is assumed to be sufficiently small.

First, at Time T1, the potential of the wiring 123 is set to “H” and the potential of the wiring 124 is set to “L”, whereby the transistor 108 is turned on so that “D1” is supplied to the wiring 125[m].

When the potential of the wiring 121 [n] is set to “H” at Time T1, the transistor 102 is turned on and the potential of the one electrode of the capacitor 104 becomes “V_(ref)” in the pixel 10[n,m]. The operation is a reset operation for addition operation (capacitive coupling operation) to be performed later. In addition, the transistor 103 is turned on, and the potential of the wiring 125[m] is written to the node NM[n,m]. This operation is the first writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1”.

After that, when the potential of the wiring 121 [n] is set to “L”, the transistor 102 and the transistor 103 are turned off, and “D1” is held in the node NM[n,m]. In addition, “D1−V_(ref)” is held in the capacitor 104.

The writing operation of “D1” in the pixel 10[n,m] has been described so far. Next, the addition operation of “D1” in the pixel 10[n,m] and the writing operation of “D2” in the pixel 10[n+1,m] are described.

At Time T2, the potential of the wiring 123 is set to “L” and the potential of the wiring 124 is set to “H”, whereby the wiring 125[m] is made floating and “D1” is held. The transistor 107 is turned on so that the wiring 126[m] is supplied with “D2”.

When the potential of the wiring 121 [n+1] is set to “H” at Time T2, in the pixel 10[n,m], the transistor 101 is turned on and the potential “D1” held in the wiring 125[m] is added to the potential of the node NM[n,m] by capacitive coupling of the capacitor 104. This operation is the second writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1-V_(ref)+D1”. At this time, when “V_(ref)”=0, the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1+D1”. In other words, the data supplied to and held in the source line can be added in the pixel.

In the pixel 10[n+1,m], the transistor 102 is turned on and the potential of the one electrode of the capacitor 104 becomes “V_(ref)”. The transistor 103 is turned on, and the potential of the wiring 126[m] is written to the node NM[n+1,m]. This operation is the first writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n+1,m] becomes “D2”.

The writing operation of “D1+D1” in the pixel 10[n,m] and the writing operation of “D2” in the pixel 10[n+1,m] have been described so far. Next, the addition operation of “D2” in the pixel 10[n+1,m] and the writing operation of “D3” in the pixel 10[n+2,m] are described.

At Time T3, the potential of the wiring 123 is set to “H” and the potential of the wiring 124 is set to “L”, whereby the wiring 126 is made floating and “D2” is held. The transistor 108 is turned on so that the wiring 125[m] is supplied with “D3”.

When the potential of the wiring 121[n+2] is set to “H” at Time T3, in the pixel 10[n+1,m], the transistor 101 is turned on and the potential “D2” held in the wiring 126[m] is added to the potential of the node NM[n+1,m] by capacitive coupling of the capacitor 104. This operation is the second writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n+1,m] becomes “D2−V_(ref)+D2”. At this time, when “V_(ref)”=0, the potential of the node NM[n+1,m] becomes “D2+D2”.

In the pixel 10[n+2,m], the transistor 102 is turned on and the potential of the one electrode of the capacitor 104 becomes “V_(ref)”. The transistor 103 is turned on, and the potential of the wiring 125[m] is written to the node NM[n+2,m]. This operation is the first writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n+2,m] becomes “D3”.

The writing operation of “D2+D2” in the pixel 10[n+1,m] and the writing operation of “D3” in the pixel 10[n+2,m] have been described so far. In the pixel 10[n+2,m], the same operation as that described above using the timing chart in FIG. 3 is performed, whereby “D3+D3” can be written.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, operation of adding two pieces of image data can be performed at high speed. By the addition of image data, a potential higher than or equal to the maximum output voltage of the source driver can be supplied to a display element, which can contribute to an improvement in display luminance and an increase in dynamic range. In the case where a standard display is performed, the output voltage of the source driver can be approximately a half or the power consumption can be reduced.

Furthermore, writing operation to the pixels in the n-th row and writing operation to the pixels in the (n+1)-th row can be performed in parallel, which can increase the frame frequency. Therefore, the frame frequency can be easily increased even in the case where the horizontal period is short due to an increase in the number of pixels. One embodiment of the present invention is suitable for a field-sequential liquid crystal display device that requires high-speed operation.

FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are examples of a structure including an EL element as the display element, which can be applied to the circuit block 110.

The structure illustrated in FIG. 4(A) includes a transistor 111, a capacitor 113, and an EL element 114. One of a source and a drain of the transistor 111 is electrically connected to one electrode of the EL element 114. The one electrode of the EL element 114 is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor 113. The other electrode of the capacitor 113 is electrically connected to a gate of the transistor 111. The gate of the transistor 111 is electrically connected to the node NM.

The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 111 is electrically connected to a wiring 128. The other electrode of the EL element 114 is electrically connected to a wiring 129. The wirings 128 and 129 each have a function of supplying power. For example, the wiring 128 can supply a high power supply potential. In addition, the wiring 129 can supply a low power supply potential.

Here, the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 for supplying “V_(ref)” shown in FIG. 2 can be electrically connected to the wiring 128. Since “V_(ref)” is preferably 0 V, GND, or a low potential, the wiring 128 also has a function of supplying at least any of these potentials. To the wiring 128, “V_(ref)” is supplied at the timing when data is written to the node NM, and a high power supply potential is supplied at the timing when the EL element 114 emits light. Note that the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 may be electrically connected to a common wiring that supplies “V_(ref)”.

In the structure illustrated in FIG. 4(A), current flows through the EL element 114 when the potential of the node NM becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the transistor 111. Therefore, in some cases, the EL element 114 starts to emit light at the first writing shown in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3; this might limit the uses.

FIG. 4(B) is a structure in which a transistor 112 is added to the structure in FIG. 4(A). One of a source and a drain of the transistor 112 is electrically connected to the one of the source and the drain of the transistor 111. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 112 is electrically connected to the EL element 114. A gate of the transistor 112 is electrically connected to a wiring 127. The wiring 127 can have a function of a signal line that controls the conduction of the transistor 112.

In the structure, current flows through the EL element 114 when the potential of the node NM is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the transistor 111 and the transistor 112 is turned on. Therefore, the EL element 114 can start to emit light at or after the second writing in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4(C) is a structure in which a transistor 115 is added to the structure in FIG. 4(B). One of a source and a drain of the transistor 115 is electrically connected to the one of the source and the drain of the transistor 111. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 115 is electrically connected to a wiring 130. A gate of the transistor 115 is electrically connected to a wiring 131. The wiring 131 can have a function of a signal line that controls the conduction of the transistor 115.

The wiring 130 can be electrically connected to a supply source of a certain potential such as a reference potential. In addition, supplying a certain potential from the wiring 130 to the one of the source and the drain of the transistor 111 can stabilize image data writing.

In addition, the wiring 130 can be connected to a circuit 120 and can also have a function of a monitor line. The circuit 120 can have one or more of the supply source of a certain potential, a function of obtaining electric characteristics of the transistor 111, and a function of generating correction data.

FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C) each illustrate an example of a structure including a liquid crystal element as the display element, which can be applied to the circuit block 110.

The structure illustrated in FIG. 5(A) includes a capacitor 116 and a liquid crystal element 117. One electrode of the liquid crystal element 117 is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor 116. The one electrode of the capacitor 116 is electrically connected to the node NM.

The other electrode of the capacitor 116 is electrically connected to a wiring 132. The other electrode of the liquid crystal element 117 is electrically connected to a wiring 133. The wirings 132 and 133 each have a function of supplying power. For example, the wirings 132 and 133 can each supply a reference potential such as GND or 0 V or a given potential.

Here, the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 for supplying “V_(ref)” shown in FIG. 2 can be electrically connected to the wiring 132. Note that the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 102 may be electrically connected to the common wiring that supplies “V_(ref)”.

In this structure, the operation of the liquid crystal element 117 starts when the potential of the node NM becomes equal to or higher than the operation threshold of the liquid crystal element 117. Therefore, in some cases, the display operation starts at the first writing in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, which might limit the uses. Note that in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal display device, the combination of the operation of, for example, turning off a backlight until the second writing shown in FIG. 3 can inhibit unnecessary display operation from being visually identified.

FIG. 5(B) is a structure in which a transistor 118 is added to the structure in FIG. 5(A). One of a source and a drain of the transistor 118 is electrically connected to the one electrode of the capacitor 116. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 118 is electrically connected to the node NM. A gate of the transistor 118 is electrically connected to the wiring 127. The wiring 127 can have a function of a signal line that controls the conduction of the transistor 118.

In this configuration, the potential of the node NM is applied to the liquid crystal element 117 when the transistor 118 is turned on. Therefore, the operation of the liquid crystal element can start at or after the second writing in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3.

Note that while the transistor 118 is in a non-conducting state, potentials supplied to the capacitor 116 and the liquid crystal element 117 are held continuously; thus, the potentials supplied to the capacitor 116 and the liquid crystal element 117 are preferably reset before image data rewriting. For the reset, a reset potential may be supplied to the source line (the wiring 125 or the wiring 126) to which a pixel is connected, whereby the transistor 102 and the transistor 118 are turned on at the same time, for example.

FIG. 5(C) is a structure in which a transistor 119 is added to the structure in FIG. 5(B). One of a source and a drain of the transistor 119 is electrically connected to the one electrode of the liquid crystal element 117. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor 119 is electrically connected to the wiring 130. A gate of the transistor 119 is electrically connected to the wiring 131. The wiring 131 can have a function of a signal line that controls the conduction of the transistor 119.

The circuit 120 electrically connected to the wiring 130 is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 4(C), and may have a function of resetting the potentials supplied to the capacitor 116 and the liquid crystal element 117.

Although the examples in which “V_(ref)” is supplied from the power supply line are shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, “V_(ref)” can be supplied from a gate line. For example, in the pixel 10[n,m] as illustrated in FIG. 6(A), “V_(ref) ^(”) may be supplied from the wiring 121. Furthermore, since a potential corresponding to “L” is supplied to the wiring 121[n+1] when “D1” is written (when the transistor 103 is turned on), as illustrated in FIG. 3, this potential can be used as “V_(ref)”.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6(B) and 6(C), a structure may be employed in which the transistors 101, 102, and 103 each include a back gate. FIG. 6(B) illustrates a structure in which the back gates are electrically connected to front gates, which has an effect of increasing on-state current. FIG. 6(C) illustrates a structure in which the back gates are electrically connected to a wiring 134 capable of supplying a constant potential, so that the threshold voltage of the transistors can be controlled. Note that back gates may also be provided for the transistors included in the circuit block 110 illustrated in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) and FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C).

A configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 may be employed for a display device in which data is held in a source line and which includes a pixel that uses the data for addition operation.

A display device illustrated in FIG. 7 has a basic pixel configuration similar to that of the display device illustrated in FIG. 2, and differs from that in FIG. 2 in that one source line is provided for one column and two gate lines are provided for one row. In addition, the circuit 14 is provided instead of the circuit 11.

As the gate lines, the wiring 121 and a wiring 122 are provided. The gate of the transistor 102 and the gate of the transistor 103 are electrically connected to the wiring 121. The gate of the transistor 101 is electrically connected to the wiring 122.

The circuit 14 includes a transistor 109. A gate of the transistor 109 is electrically connected to the wiring 123. One of a source and a drain of the transistor 109 is electrically connected to the wiring 125 (source line), and the other of the source and the drain is electrically connected to the source driver 12. Thus, by controlling the conduction of the transistor 109, image data (DATA) can be supplied to or held in the wiring 125.

Also in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, the first writing is performed when image data is supplied to a source line, and the second writing is performed when the image data is held in the source line. Note that since all pixels in the column direction are connected to one source line, the writing speed cannot be increased by operation in parallel. In contrast, by performing power gating of an output circuit in the source driver when the image data is held in the source line, power consumption due to leakage current or the like can be reduced.

The operation of adding two pieces of image data and power gating of the source driver are described as an example with reference to a timing chart in FIG. 8.

First, operation of writing the image data “D1” to the node NM[n,m] in the pixel 10[n,m] in the n-th row is described. Note that in potential distribution, potential coupling, or potential loss, detailed changes due to a circuit configuration, operation timing, or the like are not considered.

At Time T1, the potential of the wiring 123 is set to “H”, and the transistor 109 is turned on so that “D1” is supplied to the wiring 125[m].

When the potential of the wiring 121 [n] is set to “H” at Time T1, the transistor 103 is turned on and the potential of the one electrode of the capacitor 104 becomes “V_(ref)” in the pixel 10[n,m]. The operation is a reset operation for addition operation (capacitive coupling operation) to be performed later. In addition, the transistor 102 is turned on, and the potential of the wiring 125[m] is written to the node NM[n,m]. This operation is the first writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1”.

At Time T2, the potential of the wiring 121[n] is set to “L” and the potential of the wiring 123 is set to “L”, so that the transistor 102 and the transistor 103 are turned off and “D1” is held in the node NM[n,m]. In addition, “D1−V_(ref)” is held in the capacitor 104. The wiring 125[m] becomes floating and “D1” is held.

The writing operation of “D1” in the pixel 10[n,m] has been described so far. Next, the addition operation of “D1” in the pixel 10[n,m] is described.

When the potential of the wiring 122[n] is set to “H” at Time T2, in the pixel 10[n,m], the transistor 101 is turned on and the potential “D1” held in the wiring 125[m] is added to the potential of the node NM[n,m] by capacitive coupling of the capacitor 104. This operation is the second writing operation and the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1−V_(ref)+D1”. At this time, when “V_(ref)”=0, the potential of the node NM[n,m] becomes “D1+D1”. In other words, the data supplied to and held in the source line can be added in the pixel.

After Time T3, the image data (DATA) is written to the pixels 10 in the subsequent rows by repeating the above-described operation.

Here, since data is held in the source line in a period from Time T2 to Time T3, output operation of the source driver 12 is not necessary. Therefore, the operation of the output circuit of the source driver 12 can be stopped in this period. At most, this period is approximately a half of the period of writing image data to the pixels 10, whereby the power consumption can be greatly reduced.

Next, simulation results of a configuration (see FIG. 9) in which the circuit block illustrated in FIG. 5(A) is applied to the pixel 10 in the display device illustrated in FIG. 2 are described. Parameters are given below. The transistor sizes are L/W=4 μm/200 μm (the transistor included in the circuit 11) and L/W=4 μm/4 μm (the transistor included in the pixel 10); the resistivity of the source line is 1 k) (corresponding to the resistivity between the circuit 11 and each pixel); the capacitance value of the capacitor Csl is 100 pF (corresponding to 1000 capacitors. Each capacitor connected to the source line has 100 fF), the capacitance value of the capacitor C1 is 500 fF, the capacitance value of the capacitor Cs is 100 fF, and the capacitance value of a liquid crystal element Clc is 40 fF; the image data (DATA) is 5 V at maximum; “V_(ref)” is 0 V; and the common electrodes CsCOM and TCOM are 0 V. In addition, the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor is set to +20 V as “H” and −20 V as “L”. Note that SPICE is used as circuit simulation software.

FIG. 11 shows the simulation results when the circuit in FIG. 9 is operated in accordance with the timing chart in FIG. 10. SMP1 and SMP2 are gate lines for controlling operation of the circuit 11. SL1 is a source line connected to a pixel 10[n], and SL2 is a source line connected to a pixel 10[n+1]. GL[n] is a gate line connected to the pixel 10[n], GL[n+2] is a gate line connected to the pixel 10[n+1], and GL[n+1] is a gate line connected to the pixel 10[n] and the pixel 10[n+1]. D1 corresponds to the image data (DATA) supplied to the pixel 10[n], D2 corresponds to the image data (DATA) supplied to the pixel 10[n+1], and D3 corresponds to the image data (DATA) supplied to a pixel 10[n+2] (not shown).

FIG. 11 shows the simulation results of voltages in the node NM[n] and the node NM[n+1] when +5 V is input as the image data (DATA). In the node NM[n], the first writing is performed at the timing when GL[n] is set to “H”, and the second writing is performed at the timing when GL[n+1] is set to “H”; thus, addition of the image data (DATA) is confirmed. The same applies to the node NM[n+1].

FIG. 12 shows the simulation results of voltages in the node NM[n] and the node NM[n+1] when −5 V to +5 V are input as the image data (DATA). In each case, addition of the image data (DATA) is confirmed.

According to the above-described simulation results, it is found that the potential held in the capacitance of the source line can be added to the pixel as a data voltage. In the display device of one embodiment of the present invention, the period of writing from the source driver to the pixels can be substantially once in one horizontal period; thus, one embodiment of the present invention is preferably applied to a display device that requires high-speed operation.

This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the structures described in the other embodiments and the like, as appropriate.

Embodiment 2

In this embodiment, a structure example of a display element using a liquid crystal element and a structure example of a display device using an EL element are described. Note that the description of the components, operations, and functions of the display device described in Embodiment 1 is omitted in this embodiment.

FIG. 13(A) to 13(C) are diagrams each illustrating a structure of a display device in which one embodiment of the present invention can be used.

In FIG. 13(A), a sealant 4005 is provided to surround a display portion 215 provided over a first substrate 4001, and the display portion 215 is sealed with the sealant 4005 and a second substrate 4006.

The pixels 10 and described in Embodiment 1 can be provided in the display portion 215. Note that a scan line driver circuit and a signal line driver circuit which are described below correspond to the gate driver and the source driver, respectively.

In FIG. 13(A), a scan line driver circuit 221 a, a signal line driver circuit 231 a, a signal line driver circuit 232 a, and a common line driver circuit 241 a each include a plurality of integrated circuits 4042 provided over a printed circuit board 4041. The integrated circuits 4042 are each formed using a single crystal semiconductor or a polycrystalline semiconductor. The common line driver circuit 241 a has a function of supplying a predetermined potential to the wirings 128, 129, 132, 133, 135, and the like described in Embodiment 1.

Signals and potentials are supplied to the scan line driver circuit 221 a, the common line driver circuit 241 a, the signal line driver circuit 231 a, and the signal line driver circuit 232 a through an FPC (Flexible printed circuit) 4018.

The integrated circuits 4042 included in the scan line driver circuit 221 a and the common line driver circuit 241 a each have a function of supplying a selection signal to the display portion 215. The integrated circuits 4042 included in the signal line driver circuit 231 a and the signal line driver circuit 232 a each have a function of supplying image data to the display portion 215. The integrated circuits 4042 are mounted in a region different from the region surrounded by the sealant 4005 over the first substrate 4001.

Note that the connection method of the integrated circuits 4042 is not particularly limited; a wire bonding method, a COG (Chip On Glass) method, a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) method, a COF (Chip On Film) method, or the like can be used.

FIG. 13(B) shows an example in which the integrated circuits 4042 included in the signal line driver circuit 231 a and the signal line driver circuit 232 a are mounted by a COG method. Some or all of the driver circuits can be formed over the same substrate as the display portion 215, whereby a system-on-panel can be formed.

In the example shown in FIG. 13(B), the scan line driver circuit 221 a and the common line driver circuit 241 a are formed over the same substrate as the display portion 215. When the driver circuits are formed concurrently with pixel circuits in the display portion 215, the number of components can be reduced. Accordingly, the productivity can be increased.

In FIG. 13(B), the sealant 4005 is provided to surround the display portion 215, the scan line driver circuit 221 a, and the common line driver circuit 241 a provided over the first substrate 4001. The second substrate 4006 is provided over the display portion 215, the scan line driver circuit 221 a, and the common line driver circuit 241 a. Consequently, the display portion 215, the scan line driver circuit 221 a, and the common line driver circuit 241 a are sealed together with display elements with the use of the first substrate 4001, the sealant 4005, and the second substrate 4006.

Although the signal line driver circuit 231 a and the signal line driver circuit 232 a are separately formed and mounted on the first substrate 4001 in the example shown in FIG. 13(B), one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this structure. The scan line driver circuit or the common line driver circuit may be separately formed and then mounted. In addition, part of the signal line driver circuits, part of the scan line driver circuits, or part of the common line driver circuits may be separately formed and then mounted. The signal line driver circuit 231 a and the signal line driver circuit 232 a may be formed over the same substrate as the display portion 215, as shown in FIG. 13(C).

In some cases, the display device encompasses a panel in which the display element is sealed, and a module in which an IC or the like including a controller is mounted on the panel.

The display portion and the scan line driver circuit provided over the first substrate each include a plurality of transistors. As the transistors, the transistor described in the above embodiment can be used.

Transistors included in a peripheral driver circuit and transistors included in the pixel circuits of the display portion may have the same structure or different structures. The transistors included in the peripheral driver circuit may be transistors having the same structure, or transistors having two or more kinds of structures may be included. Similarly, the transistors included in the pixel circuits may be transistors having the same structure, or transistors having two or more kinds of structures may be included.

An input device can be provided over the second substrate 4006. The display devices illustrated in FIGS. 13(A) to 13(C) and provided with an input device 4200 can function as a touch panel.

There is no particular limitation on a sensor element included in the touch panel of one embodiment of the present invention. A variety of sensors that can sense proximity or touch of a sensing target such as a finger or a stylus can be used as the sensor element.

For example, a variety of types such as a capacitive type, a resistive type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an optical type, and a pressure-sensitive type can be used for the sensor.

In this embodiment, a touch panel including a capacitive sensor element is described as an example.

Examples of the capacitive sensor element include a surface capacitive sensor element and a projected capacitive sensor element. Examples of the projected capacitive sensor element include a self-capacitive sensor element and a mutual capacitive sensor element. The use of a mutual capacitive sensor element is preferred because multiple points can be sensed simultaneously.

The touch panel of one embodiment of the present invention can have any of a variety of structures, including a structure in which a display device and a sensor element that are separately formed are attached to each other and a structure in which an electrode and the like included in a sensor element are provided on one or both of a substrate supporting a display element and a counter substrate.

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) show an example of the touch panel. FIG. 14(A) is a perspective view of a touch panel 4210. FIG. 14(B) is a schematic perspective view of the input device 4200. Note that for clarity, only typical components are shown.

The touch panel 4210 has a structure in which a display device and a sensor element that are separately formed are attached to each other.

The touch panel 4210 includes the input device 4200 and the display device, which are provided to overlap with each other.

The input device 4200 includes a substrate 4263, an electrode 4227, an electrode 4228, a plurality of wirings 4237, a plurality of wirings 4238, and a plurality of wirings 4239. For example, the electrode 4227 can be electrically connected to the wiring 4237 or the wiring 4239. In addition, the electrode 4228 can be electrically connected to the wiring 4239. An FPC 4272 b is electrically connected to each of the plurality of wirings 4237, the plurality of wirings 4238, and the plurality of wirings 4239. An IC 4273 b can be provided for the FPC 4272 b.

Alternatively, a touch sensor may be provided between the first substrate 4001 and the second substrate 4006 in the display device. In the case where a touch sensor is provided between the first substrate 4001 and the second substrate 4006, either a capacitive touch sensor or an optical touch sensor including a photoelectric conversion element may be used.

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are cross-sectional views of a portion indicated by chain line N1-N2 in FIG. 13(B). Display devices shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) each include an electrode 4015, and the electrode 4015 is electrically connected to a terminal included in the FPC 4018 through an anisotropic conductive layer 4019. In FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the electrode 4015 is electrically connected to a wiring 4014 in an opening formed in an insulating layer 4112, an insulating layer 4111, and an insulating layer 4110.

The electrode 4015 is formed of the same conductive layer as a first electrode layer 4030, and the wiring 4014 is formed of the same conductive layer as source electrodes and drain electrodes of a transistor 4010 and a transistor 4011.

The display portion 215 and the scan line driver circuit 221 a provided over the first substrate 4001 each include a plurality of transistors. In FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the transistor 4010 included in the display portion 215 and the transistor 4011 included in the scan line driver circuit 221 a are shown as an example. Note that in the examples shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the transistor 4010 and the transistor 4011 are bottom-gate transistors but may be top-gate transistors.

In FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the insulating layer 4112 is provided over the transistor 4010 and the transistor 4011. In FIG. 15(B), a partition wall 4510 is formed over the insulating layer 4112.

The transistor 4010 and the transistor 4011 are provided over an insulating layer 4102. The transistor 4010 and the transistor 4011 each include an electrode 4017 formed over the insulating layer 4111. The electrode 4017 can serve as a back gate electrode.

The display devices shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) each include a capacitor 4020. The capacitor 4020 includes an electrode 4021 formed in the same step as a gate electrode of the transistor 4010, and an electrode formed in the same step as the source electrode and the drain electrode. The electrodes overlap with each other with an insulating layer 4103 therebetween.

In general, the capacitance of a capacitor provided in a pixel portion of a display device is set in consideration of the leakage current or the like of transistors provided in the pixel portion so that charges can be held for a predetermined period. The capacitance of the capacitor is set in consideration of the off-state current of the transistors or the like.

The transistor 4010 provided in the display portion 215 is electrically connected to the display element. FIG. 15(A) shows an example of a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal element as the display element. In FIG. 15(A), a liquid crystal element 4013 serving as the display element includes the first electrode layer 4030, a second electrode layer 4031, and a liquid crystal layer 4008. Note that an insulating layer 4032 and an insulating layer 4033 functioning as alignment films are provided so that the liquid crystal layer 4008 is positioned therebetween. The second electrode layer 4031 is provided on the second substrate 4006 side, and the first electrode layer 4030 and the second electrode layer 4031 overlap with each other with the liquid crystal layer 4008 therebetween.

A spacer 4035 is a columnar spacer obtained by selective etching of an insulating layer and is provided in order to control a distance (a cell gap) between the first electrode layer 4030 and the second electrode layer 4031. Note that a spherical spacer may alternatively be used.

A black matrix (a light-blocking layer); a coloring layer (a color filter); an optical member (an optical substrate) such as a polarizing member, a retardation member, or an anti-reflection member; or the like may be provided as appropriate if needed. For example, circular polarization may be employed by using a polarizing substrate and a retardation substrate. In addition, a backlight, a side light, or the like may be used as a light source. A micro LED or the like may be used as the backlight or the side light.

In the display device shown in FIG. 15(A), a light-blocking layer 4132, a coloring layer 4131, and an insulating layer 4133 are provided between the second substrate 4006 and the second electrode layer 4031.

Examples of a material that can be used for the light-blocking layer include carbon black, titanium black, a metal, a metal oxide, and a composite oxide containing a solid solution of a plurality of metal oxides. The light-blocking layer may be a film containing a resin material or may be a thin film of an inorganic material such as a metal. Stacked films containing the material of the coloring layer can also be used for the light-blocking layer. For example, a stacked-layer structure of a film containing a material of a coloring layer which transmits light of a certain color and a film containing a material of a coloring layer which transmits light of another color can be employed. It is preferable that the coloring layer and the light-blocking layer be formed using the same material because the same manufacturing apparatus can be used and the process can be simplified.

Examples of a material that can be used for the coloring layer include a metal material, a resin material, and a resin material containing a pigment or a dye. The light-blocking layer and the coloring layer can be formed by an inkjet method, for example.

The display devices shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) each include the insulating layer 4111 and an insulating layer 4104. As the insulating layer 4111 and the insulating layer 4104, insulating layers through which an impurity element does not easily pass are used. A semiconductor layer of the transistor is positioned between the insulating layer 4111 and the insulating layer 4104, whereby entry of impurities from the outside can be prevented.

As the display element included in the display device, a light-emitting element utilizing electroluminescence (EL element) can be used. An EL element includes a layer containing a light-emitting compound (also referred to as an “EL layer”) between a pair of electrodes. A potential difference greater than the threshold voltage of the EL element is generated between the pair of electrodes, whereby holes are injected to the EL layer from the anode side and electrons are injected from the cathode side. The injected electrons and holes are recombined in the EL layer and the light-emitting compound contained in the EL layer emits light.

EL elements are classified depending on whether a light-emitting material is an organic compound or an inorganic compound. In general, the former is referred to as an organic EL element, and the latter is referred to as an inorganic EL element.

In an organic EL element, by voltage application, electrons are injected from one electrode to the EL layer and holes are injected from the other electrode to the EL layer. The carriers (electrons and holes) are recombined, the light-emitting organic compound forms an excited state, and light is emitted when the excited state returns to a ground state. Owing to such a mechanism, this light-emitting element is referred to as a current-excitation light-emitting element.

Note that in addition to the light-emitting compound, the EL layer may further include a substance with a high hole-injection property, a substance with a high hole-transport property, a hole-blocking material, a substance with a high electron-transport property, a substance with a high electron-injection property, a substance with a bipolar property (a substance with a high electron- and hole-transport property), or the like.

The EL layer can be formed by a method such as an evaporation method (including a vacuum evaporation method), a transfer method, a printing method, an inkjet method, or a coating method.

The inorganic EL elements are classified according to their element structures into a dispersion-type inorganic EL element and a thin-film inorganic EL element. A dispersion-type inorganic EL element includes a light-emitting layer where particles of a light-emitting material are dispersed in a binder, and its light emission mechanism is donor-acceptor recombination type light emission that utilizes a donor level and an acceptor level. A thin-film inorganic EL element has a structure where a light-emitting layer is positioned between dielectric layers, which are further positioned between electrodes, and its light emission mechanism is localization type light emission that utilizes inner-shell electron transition of metal ions. Note that the description is made here using an organic EL element as the light-emitting element.

In order to extract light emitted from the light-emitting element, at least one of the pair of electrodes needs to be transparent. A transistor and a light-emitting element are formed over a substrate. The light-emitting element can have a top emission structure in which light emission is extracted from the surface on the side opposite to the substrate; a bottom emission structure in which light emission is extracted from the surface on the substrate side; or a dual emission structure in which light emission is extracted from both surfaces. The light-emitting element having any of the emission structures can be used.

FIG. 15(B) shows an example of a light-emitting display device using a light-emitting element as a display element (also referred to as an “EL display device”). A light-emitting element 4513 serving as the display element is electrically connected to the transistor 4010 provided in the display portion 215. Note that the structure of the light-emitting element 4513 is a stacked-layer structure of the first electrode layer 4030, a light-emitting layer 4511, and the second electrode layer 4031; however, this embodiment is not limited to this structure. The structure of the light-emitting element 4513 can be changed as appropriate depending on the direction in which light is extracted from the light-emitting element 4513, or the like.

The partition wall 4510 is formed using an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. It is particularly preferable that the partition wall 4510 be formed using a photosensitive resin material to have an opening portion over the first electrode layer 4030 such that a side surface of the opening portion slopes with continuous curvature.

The light-emitting layer 4511 may be formed using a single layer or a plurality of layers stacked.

The emission color of the light-emitting element 4513 can be white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, or the like depending on the material for the light-emitting layer 4511.

As a color display method, there are a method in which the light-emitting element 4513 that emits white light is combined with a coloring layer and a method in which the light-emitting element 4513 that emits light of a different emission color is provided in each pixel. The former method is more productive than the latter method. The latter method, which requires separate formation of the light-emitting layer 4511 pixel by pixel, is less productive than the former method. However, the latter method can provide higher color purity of the emission color than the former method. In the latter method, the color purity can be further increased when the light-emitting element 4513 has a microcavity structure.

Note that the light-emitting layer 4511 may contain an inorganic compound such as quantum dots. For example, when used for the light-emitting layer, the quantum dots can function as a light-emitting material.

A protective layer may be formed over the second electrode layer 4031 and the partition wall 4510 in order to prevent entry of oxygen, hydrogen, moisture, carbon dioxide, or the like into the light-emitting element 4513. For the protective layer, silicon nitride, silicon nitride oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, aluminum oxynitride, aluminum nitride oxide, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), or the like can be used. In a space enclosed by the first substrate 4001, the second substrate 4006, and the sealant 4005, a filler 4514 is provided for sealing. It is preferable that the light-emitting element be packaged (sealed) with a protective film (such as a laminate film or an ultraviolet curable resin film) or a cover member with high air-tightness and little degasification in this manner so that the light-emitting element is not exposed to the outside air.

As the filler 4514, an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin can be used as well as an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon; PVC (polyvinyl chloride), an acrylic-based resin, polyimide, an epoxy-based resin, a silicone-based resin, PVB (polyvinyl butyral), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), or the like can be used. A drying agent may be contained in the filler 4514.

A glass material such as a glass frit or a resin material such as a curable resin that is curable at room temperature, such as a two-component-mixture-type resin, a light curable resin, or a thermosetting resin can be used for the sealant 4005. A drying agent may be contained in the sealant 4005.

If necessary, an optical film such as a polarizing plate, a circularly polarizing plate (including an elliptically polarizing plate), a retardation plate (a quarter-wave plate or a half-wave plate), or a color filter may be provided as appropriate on an emission surface of the light-emitting element. Furthermore, the polarizing plate or the circularly polarizing plate may be provided with an anti-reflection film. For example, anti-glare treatment by which reflected light can be diffused by projections and depressions on a surface so as to reduce the glare can be performed.

When the light-emitting element has a microcavity structure, light with high color purity can be extracted. Furthermore, when a microcavity structure and a color filter are used in combination, the glare can be reduced and visibility of a display image can be increased.

The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer (also called a pixel electrode layer, a common electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, or the like) for applying voltage to the display element each have a light-transmitting property or a light-reflecting property, which depends on the direction in which light is extracted, the position where the electrode layer is provided, and the pattern structure of the electrode layer.

Each of the first electrode layer 4030 and the second electrode layer 4031 can be formed using a light-transmitting conductive material such as indium oxide containing tungsten oxide, indium zinc oxide containing tungsten oxide, indium oxide containing titanium oxide, indium tin oxide, indium tin oxide containing titanium oxide, indium zinc oxide, or indium tin oxide to which silicon oxide is added.

Each of the first electrode layer 4030 and the second electrode layer 4031 can also be formed using one or more kinds selected from a metal such as tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or silver (Ag); an alloy thereof; and a metal nitride thereof.

A conductive composition containing a conductive high molecule (also referred to as conductive polymer) can be used for the first electrode layer 4030 and the second electrode layer 4031. As the conductive high molecule, a 7 c-electron conjugated conductive high molecule can be used. For example, polyaniline or a derivative thereof, polypyrrole or a derivative thereof, polythiophene or a derivative thereof, and a copolymer of two or more of aniline, pyrrole, and thiophene or a derivative thereof can be given.

Since the transistor is easily broken by static electricity or the like, a protective circuit for protecting the driver circuit is preferably provided. The protective circuit is preferably formed using a nonlinear element.

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 16, a stacked structure including a region where a transistor and a capacitor overlap with each other in the height direction may be employed. For example, when the transistor 4011 and a transistor 4022 included in the driver circuit are provided to overlap with each other, a display device with a narrow bezel can be provided. Furthermore, when the transistor 4010, a transistor 4023, the capacitor 4020, and the like included in the pixel circuit are provided to at least partly overlap with each other, the aperture ratio and the resolution can be improved. Although an example in which the stacked structure is employed for the liquid crystal display device illustrated in FIG. 15(A) is illustrated in FIG. 16, the stacked structure may be employed for the EL display device illustrated in FIG. 15(B).

In addition, a light-transmitting conductive film with high visible-light-transmitting property is used as an electrode or a wiring in the pixel circuit, whereby transmittance of light in the pixel can be increased and the aperture ratio can be substantially improved. Note that in the case where an OS transistor is used, a semiconductor layer also has a light-transmitting property and thus the aperture ratio can be further increased. These are effective even when transistors and the like are not stacked.

The display device may have a structure with a combination of a liquid crystal display device and a light-emitting device.

The light-emitting device is disposed on the side opposite to the display surface or on an end portion of the display surface. The light-emitting device has a function of supplying light to the display element. The light-emitting device can also be referred to as a backlight.

Here, the light-emitting device can include a plate-like or sheet-like light guide portion (also referred to as a light guide plate) and a plurality of light-emitting elements which emit light of different colors. When the light-emitting elements are disposed in the vicinity of the side surface of the light guide portion, light can be emitted from the side surface of the light guide portion to the inside. The light guide portion has a mechanism that changes an optical path (also referred to as a light extraction mechanism), and this enables the light-emitting device to emit light uniformly to a pixel portion of a display panel. Alternatively, the light-emitting device may be provided directly under the pixel without providing the light guide portion.

The light-emitting device preferably includes light-emitting elements of three colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B). In addition, a light-emitting element of white (W) may be included. A light-emitting diode (LED) is preferably used as these light-emitting elements.

Furthermore, the light-emitting elements preferably have extremely high color purities; the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emission spectrum of the light-emitting element is less than or equal to 50 nm, preferably less than or equal to 40 nm, more preferably less than or equal to 30 nm, still more preferably less than or equal to 20 nm. Note that the full width at half maximum of the emission spectrum is preferably as small as possible, and can be, for example, greater than or equal to 1 nm. Thus, when color display is performed, a vivid image with high color reproducibility can be displayed.

As the red light-emitting element, an element whose wavelength of an emission spectrum peak is in a range from 625 nm to 650 nm is preferably used. As the green light-emitting element, an element whose wavelength of an emission spectrum peak is in a range from 515 nm to 540 nm is preferably used. As the blue light-emitting element, an element whose wavelength of an emission spectrum peak is in a range from 445 nm to 470 nm is preferably used.

The display device can make the light-emitting elements for the three colors blink sequentially, drive the pixels in synchronization with these light-emitting elements, and perform color display on the basis of the successive additive color mixing method. This driving method can also be referred to as a field-sequential driving.

By the field-sequential driving, a clear color image can be displayed. In addition, a smooth moving image can be displayed. When the above-described driving method is used, one pixel does not need to be formed with subpixels of different colors, which can make an effective reflection area (also referred to as an effective display area or an aperture ratio) per pixel large; thus, a bright image can be displayed. Furthermore, the pixels do not need to be provided with color filters, and thus can have improved transmittance and achieve brighter image display. In addition, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) each illustrate an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device capable of the field-sequential driving. A backlight unit capable of emitting light of RGB colors is provided on the substrate 4001 side of the display device. Note that in the field-sequential driving, the RGB colors are expressed through time division light emission, and thus color filters are not needed.

A backlight unit 4340 a illustrated in FIG. 17(A) has a structure in which a plurality of light-emitting elements 4342 are provided directly under a pixel with a diffusing plate 4352 positioned therebetween. The diffusing plate 4352 have functions of diffusing light emitted from the light-emitting element 4342 to the substrate 4001 side and making the luminance in a display portion uniform. Between the light-emitting element 4342 and the diffusing plate 4352, a polarizing plate may be provided if necessary. The diffusing plate 4352 is not necessarily provided if not needed. The light-blocking layer 4132 may be omitted.

The backlight unit 4340 a can be disposed directly under the display portion and thus a large number of light-emitting elements 4342 can be provided, which enables bright image display. Moreover, there are advantages that a light guide plate is not needed and light efficiency of the light-emitting element 4342 is less likely to be lowered. Note that the light-emitting element 4342 may be provided with a light diffusion lens 4344 if necessary.

A backlight unit 4340 b illustrated in FIG. 17(B) has a structure in which a light guide plate 4341 is provided directly under a pixel with the diffusing plate 4352 positioned therebetween. The plurality of light-emitting elements 4342 are provided at an end portion of the light guide plate 4341. The light guide plate 4341 has an uneven shape on the side opposite to the diffusing plate 4352, and can scatter waveguided light with the uneven shape to emit the light in the direction of the diffusing plate 4352.

The light-emitting element 4342 can be fixed to a printed board 4347. Note that in FIG. 17(B), the light-emitting elements 4342 of RGB colors overlap with each other; however, the light-emitting elements 4342 of RGB colors can be arranged to be lined up in the depth direction. A reflective layer 4348 that reflects visible light may be provided on the side surface of the light guide plate 4341 which is opposite to the light-emitting element 4342.

The backlight unit 4340 b can reduce the number of light-emitting elements 4342, leading to reductions in cost and thickness.

A light-scattering liquid crystal element may be used as the liquid crystal element. The light-scattering liquid crystal element is preferably an element containing a composite material of liquid crystal and a polymer molecule. For example, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) element can be used. Alternatively, a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) element may be used.

The light-scattering liquid crystal element has a structure in which a liquid crystal portion is provided in a three-dimensional network structure of a resin portion sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. As a material used in the liquid crystal portion, for example, a nematic liquid crystal can be used. A photocurable resin can be used for the resin portion. The photocurable resin can be a monofunctional monomer, such as acrylate or methacrylate; a polyfunctional monomer, such as diacrylate, triacrylate, dimethacrylate, or trimethacrylate; or a polymerizable compound obtained by mixing these.

The light-scattering liquid crystal element performs display by transmitting or scattering light utilizing the anisotropy of a refractive index of a liquid crystal material. The resin portion may have the anisotropy of a refractive index. When liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a certain direction in accordance with a voltage applied to the light-scattering liquid crystal element, a direction is generated at which a difference in a refractive index between the liquid crystal portion and the resin portion is small. Incident light along the direction passes without being scattered in the liquid crystal portion. Thus, the light-scattering liquid crystal element is perceived in a transparent state from the direction. In contrast, when liquid crystal molecules are arranged randomly in accordance with the applied voltage, a large difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal portion and the resin portion is not generated, and incident light is scattered in the liquid crystal portion. Thus, the light-scattering liquid crystal element is in an opaque state regardless of the viewing direction.

FIG. 18(A) illustrates a structure in which the liquid crystal element 4013 of the display device illustrated in FIG. 17(A) is replaced with a light-scattering liquid crystal element 4016. The light-scattering liquid crystal element 4016 includes a composite layer 4009 including a liquid crystal portion and a resin portion and electrode layers 4030 and 4031. Although components relating to the field-sequential driving are the same as those in FIG. 17(A), when the light-scattering liquid crystal element 4016 is used, an alignment film and a polarizing plate are not necessary. Note that the spherical spacer 4035 is illustrated, but the spacer 4035 may have a columnar shape.

FIG. 18(B) illustrates a structure in which the liquid crystal element 4013 of the display device illustrated in FIG. 17(B) is replaced with the light-scattering liquid crystal element 4016. In the structure of FIG. 18(B), it is preferable that light be transmitted when a voltage is not applied to the light-scattering liquid crystal element 4016, and light be scattered when a voltage is applied. With such a structure, the display device can be transparent in a normal state (without display). In that case, color display can be performed when light scattering operation is performed.

FIGS. 19(A) to 19(E) illustrate modification examples of the display device in FIG. 18(B). Note that in FIGS. 19(A) to 19(E), some components in FIG. 18(B) are used and the other components are not illustrated for simplicity.

FIG. 19(A) illustrates a structure in which the substrate 4001 has a function of a light guide plate. An uneven surface may be provided on an outer surface of the substrate 4001. With this structure, a light guide plate does not need to be provided additionally, leading to a reduction in a manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the attenuation of light caused by the light guide plate also does not occur; accordingly, light emitted from the light-emitting element 4342 can be efficiently utilized.

FIG. 19(B) illustrates a structure in which light enters from the vicinity of an end portion of the composite layer 4009. By utilizing total reflection at the interface between the composite layer 4009 and the substrate 4006 and the interface between the composite layer 4009 and the substrate 4001, light can be emitted to the outside from the light-scattering liquid crystal element. For the resin portion of the composite layer 4009, a material having a refractive index higher than that of the substrate 4001 and that of the substrate 4006 is used.

Note that the light-emitting element 4342 is not limited to be provided on one side of the display device, and may be provided on each of two sides facing each other as illustrated in FIG. 19(C). Furthermore, the light-emitting elements 4342 may be provided on three sides or four sides. When the light-emitting elements 4342 are provided on a plurality of sides, attenuation of light can be compensated for and application to a large-area display element is possible.

FIG. 19(D) illustrates a structure in which light emitted from the light-emitting element 4342 is guided to the display device through a mirror 4345. With this structure, light can be guided easily with a certain angle to the display device; thus, total reflection light can be obtained efficiently.

FIG. 19(E) illustrates a structure in which a layer 4003 and a layer 4004 are stacked over the composite layer 4009. One of the layer 4003 and the layer 4004 is a support such as a glass substrate, and the other can be formed of an inorganic film, a coating film of an organic resin, a film, or the like. For the resin portion of the composite layer 4009, a material having a refractive index higher than that of the layer 4004 is used. For the layer 4004, a material having a refractive index higher than that of the layer 4003 is used.

A first interface is formed between the composite layer 4009 and the layer 4004, and a second interface is formed between the layer 4004 and the layer 4003. With this structure, light passing through without being totally reflected at the first interface is totally reflected at the second interface and can be returned to the composite layer 4009. Accordingly, light emitted from the light-emitting element 4342 can be efficiently utilized.

Note that the structures in FIG. 18(B) and FIGS. 19(A) to 19(E) can be combined with each other.

This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the structures described in the other embodiments and the like, as appropriate.

Embodiment 3

In this embodiment, examples of transistors which can be used as the transistors described in the above embodiments are described with reference to drawings.

The display device of one embodiment of the present invention can be fabricated using a transistor with any of various structures, such as a bottom-gate transistor or a top-gate transistor. Therefore, a material of a semiconductor layer or the structure of a transistor can be easily changed depending on the existing production line.

[Bottom-Gate Transistor]

FIG. 20(A1) is a cross-sectional view of a channel-protective transistor 810, which is a type of bottom-gate transistor, in the channel length direction. In FIG. 20(A1), the transistor 810 is formed over a substrate 771. The transistor 810 includes an electrode 746 over the substrate 771 with an insulating layer 772 therebetween. The transistor 810 also includes a semiconductor layer 742 over the electrode 746 with an insulating layer 726 therebetween. The electrode 746 can function as a gate electrode. The insulating layer 726 can function as a gate insulating layer.

The transistor 810 includes an insulating layer 741 over a channel formation region in the semiconductor layer 742. The transistor 810 also includes an electrode 744 a and an electrode 744 b which are over the insulating layer 726 and partly in contact with the semiconductor layer 742. The electrode 744 a can function as one of a source electrode and a drain electrode. The electrode 744 b can function as the other of the source electrode and the drain electrode. Part of the electrode 744 a and part of the electrode 744 b are formed over the insulating layer 741.

The insulating layer 741 can function as a channel protective layer. With the insulating layer 741 provided over the channel formation region, the semiconductor layer 742 can be prevented from being exposed at the time of forming the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b. Thus, the channel formation region in the semiconductor layer 742 can be prevented from being etched at the time of forming the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a transistor with favorable electrical characteristics can be provided.

The transistor 810 includes an insulating layer 728 over the electrode 744 a, the electrode 744 b, and the insulating layer 741 and also includes an insulating layer 729 over the insulating layer 728.

In the case where an oxide semiconductor is used for the semiconductor layer 742, a material capable of removing oxygen from part of the semiconductor layer 742 to generate oxygen vacancies is preferably used at least for portions of the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b which are in contact with the semiconductor layer 742. The carrier concentration in the regions of the semiconductor layer 742 where oxygen vacancies are generated is increased, so that the regions become n-type regions (n⁺ layers). Accordingly, the regions can function as a source region and a drain region. When an oxide semiconductor is used for the semiconductor layer 742, examples of the material capable of removing oxygen from the semiconductor layer 742 to generate oxygen vacancies include tungsten and titanium.

Formation of the source region and the drain region in the semiconductor layer 742 makes it possible to reduce contact resistance between the semiconductor layer 742 and each of the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b. Accordingly, the electrical characteristics of the transistor, such as the field-effect mobility and the threshold voltage, can be improved.

In the case where a semiconductor such as silicon is used for the semiconductor layer 742, a layer that functions as an n-type semiconductor or a p-type semiconductor is preferably provided between the semiconductor layer 742 and the electrode 744 a and between the semiconductor layer 742 and the electrode 744 b. The layer that functions as an n-type semiconductor or a p-type semiconductor can function as the source region or the drain region in the transistor.

The insulating layer 729 is preferably formed using a material that has a function of preventing or reducing diffusion of impurities into the transistor from the outside. Note that the insulating layer 729 can be omitted as necessary.

A transistor 811 shown in FIG. 20(A2) is different from the transistor 810 in that an electrode 723 that can function as a back gate electrode is provided over the insulating layer 729. The electrode 723 can be formed using a material and a method similar to those for the electrode 746.

In general, a back gate electrode is formed using a conductive layer and positioned so that a channel formation region in a semiconductor layer is positioned between the gate electrode and the back gate electrode. Thus, the back gate electrode can function in a manner similar to that of the gate electrode. The potential of the back gate electrode may be the same as the potential of the gate electrode or may be a ground potential (GND potential) or an arbitrary potential. When the potential of the back gate electrode is changed independently of the potential of the gate electrode, the threshold voltage of the transistor can be changed.

The electrode 746 and the electrode 723 can each function as a gate electrode. Thus, the insulating layer 726, the insulating layer 728, and the insulating layer 729 can each function as a gate insulating layer. Note that the electrode 723 may be provided between the insulating layer 728 and the insulating layer 729.

Note that in the case where one of the electrode 746 and the electrode 723 is referred to as a “gate electrode”, the other is referred to as a “back gate electrode”. For example, in the transistor 811, in the case where the electrode 723 is referred to as a “gate electrode”, the electrode 746 is referred to as a “back gate electrode”. In the case where the electrode 723 is used as a “gate electrode”, the transistor 811 can be regarded as a kind of top-gate transistor. One of the electrode 746 and the electrode 723 may be referred to as a “first gate electrode”, and the other may be referred to as a “second gate electrode”.

By providing the electrode 746 and the electrode 723 with the semiconductor layer 742 therebetween and setting the potential of the electrode 746 equal to the potential of the electrode 723, a region of the semiconductor layer 742 through which carriers flow is enlarged in the film thickness direction; thus, the number of transferred carriers is increased. As a result, the on-state current of the transistor 811 is increased and the field-effect mobility is increased.

Therefore, the transistor 811 is a transistor having high on-state current for its occupation area. That is, the occupation area of the transistor 811 can be small for required on-state current. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the occupation area of a transistor can be reduced. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device having a high degree of integration can be provided.

The gate electrode and the back gate electrode are formed using conductive layers and thus each have a function of preventing an electric field generated outside the transistor from affecting the semiconductor layer in which the channel is formed (in particular, an electric field blocking function against static electricity and the like). Note that when the back gate electrode is formed larger than the semiconductor layer such that the semiconductor layer is covered with the back gate electrode, the electric field blocking function can be enhanced.

When the back gate electrode is formed using a light-blocking conductive film, light can be prevented from entering the semiconductor layer from the back gate electrode side. Therefore, photodegradation of the semiconductor layer can be prevented, and deterioration in electrical characteristics of the transistor, such as a shift of the threshold voltage, can be prevented.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a transistor with favorable reliability can be provided. Moreover, a semiconductor device with favorable reliability can be provided.

FIG. 20(B1) is a cross-sectional view of a channel-protective transistor 820, which has a structure different from FIG. 20(A1), in the channel length direction. The transistor 820 has substantially the same structure as the transistor 810 but is different from the transistor 810 in that the insulating layer 741 covers end portions of the semiconductor layer 742. The semiconductor layer 742 is electrically connected to the electrode 744 a through an opening portion formed by selectively removing part of the insulating layer 741 that overlaps with the semiconductor layer 742. The semiconductor layer 742 is electrically connected to the electrode 744 b through another opening portion formed by selectively removing part of the insulating layer 741 that overlaps with the semiconductor layer 742. A region of the insulating layer 741 that overlaps with the channel formation region can function as a channel protective layer.

A transistor 821 shown in FIG. 20(B2) is different from the transistor 820 in that the electrode 723 that can function as a back gate electrode is provided over the insulating layer 729.

With the insulating layer 741, the semiconductor layer 742 can be prevented from being exposed at the time of forming the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b. Thus, the semiconductor layer 742 can be prevented from being reduced in thickness at the time of forming the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b.

The distance between the electrode 744 a and the electrode 746 and the distance between the electrode 744 b and the electrode 746 are longer in the transistor 820 and the transistor 821 than in the transistor 810 and the transistor 811. Thus, the parasitic capacitance generated between the electrode 744 a and the electrode 746 can be reduced. Moreover, the parasitic capacitance generated between the electrode 744 b and the electrode 746 can be reduced. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a transistor with favorable electrical characteristics can be provided.

FIG. 20(C1) is a cross-sectional view of a channel-etched transistor 825, which is a type of bottom-gate transistor, in the channel length direction. In the transistor 825, the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b are formed without the insulating layer 741. Thus, part of the semiconductor layer 742 that is exposed at the time of forming the electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b might be etched. However, since the insulating layer 741 is not provided, the productivity of the transistor can be increased.

A transistor 826 shown in FIG. 20(C2) is different from the transistor 825 in that the electrode 723 that can function as a back gate electrode is provided over the insulating layer 729.

FIGS. 21(A1) to (C2) are cross-sectional views of the transistors 810, 811, 820, 821, 825, and 826 in the channel width direction, respectively.

In each of the structures shown in FIGS. 21(B2) and FIG. 21(C2), the gate electrode is connected to the back gate electrode, and the gate electrode and the back gate electrode have the same potential. In addition, the semiconductor layer 742 is positioned between the gate electrode and the back gate electrode.

The length of each of the gate electrode and the back gate electrode in the channel width direction is longer than the length of the semiconductor layer 742 in the channel width direction. In the channel width direction, the whole of the semiconductor layer 742 is covered with the gate electrode and the back gate electrode with the insulating layers 726, 741, 728, and 729 positioned therebetween.

In this structure, the semiconductor layer 742 included in the transistor can be electrically surrounded by electric fields of the gate electrode and the back gate electrode.

The transistor device structure in which the semiconductor layer 742 in which the channel formation region is formed is electrically surrounded by electric fields of the gate electrode and the back gate electrode, as in the transistor 821 or the transistor 826, can be referred to as a Surrounded channel (S-channel) structure.

With the S-channel structure, an electric field for inducing a channel can be effectively applied to the semiconductor layer 742 by one or both of the gate electrode and the back gate electrode, which improves the current drive capability of the transistor and offers high on-state current characteristics. In addition, the transistor can be miniaturized because the on-state current can be increased. The S-channel structure can also increase the mechanical strength of the transistor.

[Top-Gate Transistor]

A transistor 842 shown in FIG. 22(A1) is a type of top-gate transistor. The electrode 744 a and the electrode 744 b are electrically connected to the semiconductor layer 742 through opening portions formed in the insulating layer 728 and the insulating layer 729.

Part of the insulating layer 726 that does not overlap with the electrode 746 is removed, and an impurity is introduced into the semiconductor layer 742 using the electrode 746 and the remaining insulating layer 726 as masks, so that an impurity region can be formed in the semiconductor layer 742 in a self-aligned manner. The transistor 842 includes a region where the insulating layer 726 extends beyond end portions of the electrode 746. The semiconductor layer 742 in a region into which the impurity is introduced through the insulating layer 726 has a lower impurity concentration than the semiconductor layer 742 in a region into which the impurity is introduced not through the insulating layer 726. An LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) region is formed in the region of the semiconductor layer 742 that does not overlap with the electrode 746.

A transistor 843 shown in FIG. 22(A2) is different from the transistor 842 in that the electrode 723 is included. The transistor 843 includes the electrode 723 that is formed over the substrate 771. The electrode 723 includes a region overlapping with the semiconductor layer 742 with the insulating layer 772 therebetween. The electrode 723 can function as a back gate electrode.

As in a transistor 844 shown in FIG. 22(B1) and a transistor 845 shown in FIG. 22(B2), the insulating layer 726 in a region that does not overlap with the electrode 746 may be completely removed. Alternatively, as in a transistor 846 shown in FIG. 22(C1) and a transistor 847 shown in FIG. 22(C2), the insulating layer 726 may be left.

Also in the transistor 843 to the transistor 847, after the formation of the electrode 746, the impurity is introduced into the semiconductor layer 742 using the electrode 746 as a mask, so that an impurity region can be formed in the semiconductor layer 742 in a self-aligned manner. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a transistor with favorable electrical characteristics can be provided. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device having a high degree of integration can be provided.

FIGS. 23(A1) to 23(C2) are cross-sectional views of the transistors 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, and 847 in the channel width direction, respectively.

The transistor 843, the transistor 845, and the transistor 847 each have the above-described S-channel structure. However, one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the transistor 843, the transistor 845, and the transistor 847 do not necessarily have the S-channel structure.

This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the structures described in the other embodiments and the like, as appropriate.

Embodiment 4

Examples of an electronic device that can use the display device of one embodiment of the present invention include display devices, personal computers, image storage devices or image reproducing devices provided with storage media, cellular phones, game machines including portable game machines, portable data terminals, e-book readers, cameras such as video cameras and digital cameras, goggle-type displays (head mounted displays), navigation systems, audio reproducing devices (e.g., car audio players and digital audio players), copiers, facsimiles, printers, multifunction printers, automated teller machines (ATM), and vending machines. FIG. 24 show specific examples of such electronic devices.

FIG. 24(A) shows a digital camera, which includes a housing 961, a shutter button 962, a microphone 963, a speaker 967, a display portion 965, operation keys 966, a zoom lever 968, a lens 969, and the like. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 965 enables display of a variety of images.

FIG. 24(B) shows a digital signage, which has large display portions 922. The digital signage can be installed on the side surface of a pillar 921, for example. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 922 enables display of a variety of images.

FIG. 24(C) shows an example of a cellular phone, which includes a housing 951, a display portion 952, an operation button 953, an external connection terminal 954, a speaker 955, a microphone 956, a camera 957, and the like. The display portion 952 of the cellular phone includes a touch sensor. Operations such as making a call and inputting text can be performed by touch on the display portion 952 with a finger, a stylus, or the like. The housing 901 and the display portion 952 have flexibility and can be used in a bent state as shown in the figure. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 952 enables display of a variety of images.

FIG. 24(D) is a video camera, which includes a first housing 901, a second housing 902, a display portion 903, an operation key 904, a lens 905, a connection portion 906, a speaker 907, and the like. The operation key 904 and the lens 905 are provided on the first housing 901, and the display portion 903 is provided on the second housing 902. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 903 enables display of a variety of images.

FIG. 24(E) shows a television, which includes a housing 971, a display portion 973, an operation key 974, speakers 975, a communication connection terminal 976, an optical sensor 977, and the like. The display portion 973 includes a touch sensor that enables input operation. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 973 enables display of a variety of images.

FIG. 24(F) shows a portable data terminal, which includes a housing 911, a display portion 912, speakers 913, a camera 919, and the like. A touch panel function of the display portion 912 enables input and output of information. The use of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention for the display portion 912 enables display of a variety of images.

This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the structures described in the other embodiments and the like, as appropriate.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10: pixel, 11: circuit, 12: source driver, 13: gate driver, 14:     circuit, 101: transistor, 102: transistor, 103: transistor, 104:     capacitor, 105: capacitor, 106: capacitor, 107: transistor, 108:     transistor, 109: transistor, 110: circuit block, 111: transistor,     112: transistor, 113: capacitor, 114: EL element, 115: transistor,     116: capacitor, 117: liquid crystal element, 118: transistor, 119:     transistor, 120: circuit, 121: wiring, 122: wiring, 123: wiring,     124: wiring, 125: wiring, 126: wiring, 127: wiring, 128: wiring,     129: wiring, 130: wiring, 131: wiring, 132: wiring, 133: wiring,     134: wiring, 135: wiring, 215: display portion, 221 a: scan line     driver circuit, 231 a: signal line driver circuit, 232 a: signal     line driver circuit, 241 a: common line driver circuit, 723:     electrode, 726: insulating layer, 728: insulating layer, 729:     insulating layer, 741: insulating layer, 742: semiconductor layer,     744 a: electrode, 744 b: electrode, 746: electrode, 771: substrate,     772: insulating layer, 810: transistor, 811: transistor, 820:     transistor, 821: transistor, 825: transistor, 826: transistor, 842:     transistor, 843: transistor, 844: transistor, 845: transistor, 846:     transistor, 847: transistor, 901: housing, 902: housing, 903:     display portion, 904: operation key, 905: lens, 906: connection     portion, 907: speaker, 911: housing, 912: display portion, 913:     speaker, 919: camera, 921: pillar, 922: display portion, 951:     housing, 952: display portion, 953: operation button, 954: external     connection terminal, 955: speaker, 956: microphone, 957: camera,     961: housing, 962: shutter button, 963: microphone, 965: display     portion, 966: operation key, 967: speaker, 968: zoom lever, 969:     lens, 971: housing, 973: display portion, 974: operation key, 975:     speaker, 976: communication connection terminal, 977: optical     sensor, 1000: capacitor, 4001: substrate, 4003: layer, 4004: layer,     4005: sealant, 4006: substrate, 4008: liquid crystal layer, 4009:     composite layer, 4010: transistor, 4011: transistor, 4013: liquid     crystal element, 4014: wiring, 4015: electrode, 4016:     light-scattering liquid crystal element, 4017: electrode, 4018: FPC,     4019: anisotropic conductive layer, 4020: capacitor, 4021:     electrode, 4022: transistor, 4023: transistor, 4030: electrode     layer, 4031: electrode layer, 4032: insulating layer, 4033:     insulating layer, 4035: spacer, 4041: printed circuit board, 4042:     integrated circuit, 4102: insulating layer, 4103: insulating layer,     4104: insulating layer, 4110: insulating layer, 4111: insulating     layer, 4112: insulating layer, 4131: coloring layer, 4132:     light-blocking layer, 4133: insulating layer, 4200: input device,     4210: touch panel, 4227: electrode, 4228: electrode, 4237: wiring,     4238: wiring, 4239: wiring, 4263: substrate, 4272 b: FPC, 4273 b:     IC, 4340 a: backlight unit, 4340 b: backlight unit, 4341: light     guide plate, 4342: light-emitting element, 4344: lens, 4345: mirror,     4347: printed board, 4348: reflective layer, 4352: diffusing plate,     4510: partition wall, 4511: light-emitting layer, 4513:     light-emitting element, 4514: filler 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a housing: and a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel comprises: first to third pixels; a first source line; a second source line; a first wiring; and a second wiring, wherein the first and third pixels are electrically connected to the first source line, wherein the second pixel is electrically connected to the second source line, wherein the first and second pixels are electrically connected to the first wiring, wherein the second and third pixels are electrically connected to the second wiring, and wherein the first to third pixels each comprises a transistor comprising silicon in a channel formation region.
 2. A display device comprising: a housing: and a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel comprises: first to third pixels; a first source line; a second source line; a first gate line; and a second gate line, wherein the first and third pixels are electrically connected to the first source line, wherein the second pixel is electrically connected to the second source line, wherein the first and second pixels are electrically connected to the first gate line, wherein the second and third pixels are electrically connected to the second gate line, and wherein the first to third pixels each comprises a transistor comprising silicon in a channel formation region.
 3. A display device comprising: a housing: and a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel comprises: first to third pixels; a first source line; a second source line; a first gate line; and a second gate line, wherein the first and third pixels are electrically connected to the first source line, wherein the second pixel is electrically connected to the second source line, wherein the first and second pixels are electrically connected to the first gate line, and wherein the second and third pixels are electrically connected to the second gate line, wherein the first pixel comprises: first to third transistors; a capacitor; and a light-emitting element, wherein one of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to a source or a drain of the second transistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the third transistor, and wherein the other of the source and the drain of the third transistor is electrically connected to the capacitor. 